San Diego County has established a new overnight safe parking facility in Grantville, which officially opened on Thursday morning. This initiative aims to assist families and individuals experiencing homelessness, allowing them to park overnight in a secure environment. The site can accommodate up to 20 vehicles and will be operational from 17:30 to 07:30 the following morning.
The parking lot, owned by the county, is intended for temporary use until it is developed into 300 units of affordable housing, with construction expected to begin in late 2026. San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo emphasized the importance of utilizing the space effectively in the meantime, stating, “This helps people transition out of that and into a stable place to grow their lives and their families.”
Support Services and Community Impact
The site will not only provide a place to sleep but will also offer essential services managed by Dreams for Change, a nonprofit organization focused on assisting unhoused individuals. According to Teresa Smith, CEO of Dreams for Change, the facility is expected to reach capacity within days of opening. The organization will help connect individuals with permanent housing options, employment, and health services.
Facilities at the parking site include access to bathrooms, as well as dinner and a continental breakfast. These provisions aim to ensure that those utilizing the space experience safety, stability, and dignity. Sara Jacobs, a United States Representative, highlighted the significance of the facility, saying, “Here, people have access to bathrooms and daily meals and case managers.”
The Grantville parking site is part of a larger strategy by the county to enhance emergency housing options for those facing homelessness. Similar facilities have been opened in Spring Valley and El Cajon, which have collectively served over 260 individuals to date. According to Dijana Beck, director of the county’s Office of Homeless Solutions, approximately 52% of individuals from the El Cajon and Spring Valley sites have successfully transitioned to permanent housing.
Broader County Initiatives
The overnight safe parking site is just one component of a comprehensive approach by the county to address homelessness. In addition to this initiative, the county also operates a program utilizing hotels and motels as emergency housing. Beck noted that around 40% of participants in this program have moved into permanent housing.
“Everyone’s journey to homelessness looks different, and their way out of homelessness also looks very different,” Beck explained. She emphasized the importance of offering diverse options based on community feedback, particularly from those with lived experience.
As San Diego County continues to develop solutions to homelessness, the opening of the Grantville safe parking site represents a crucial step in providing immediate support and fostering long-term stability for individuals and families in need.